Board Voted to Develop Vacant Near West Side Area Into Park

9/12/2013

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners yesterday approved entering into a contract with All-Bry Construction Company for the development of Park #574 at 2540-2556 W. Jackson Blvd.

“The Chicago Park District is committed to responding to community needs citywide and to activating spaces for all to enjoy,” said General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly.

The Chicago Park District will develop a vacant 2.27-acre site adjacent to the Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) Rockwell Gardens into a new outdoor active recreation park in Chicago’s Near West Side community area, which has a growing residential population. The new park was part of a land exchange with the CHA that was approved by the Board on Aug. 13, 2008. Before the transfer, West Adams Street was legally vacated between South Rockwell Street on the north and South Maplewood Street on the south creating the contiguous footprint for park development.

The newly developed park will include a state-of-the-art flagship playground that includes challenging, interactive playground equipment, rubberized soft surfacing with varied topography throughout the active play areas, drinking fountain, seat walls and picnic tables. The park elements include fencing, pedestrian pathways, a walking trail with exercise equipment stations, ornamental landscaping and shade trees, sod and shrubs, lighting and all underground utilities.

Construction is slated for substantial completion by late summer/early fall 2014.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.